INTO THE FRONTIER
Your Backcountry Pass to Big Bend
Embrace your inner cowboy. Whether you’re hitting the trail on horseback or riding in an authentic covered wagon you will catch a rare glimpse of Big Bend. Seeing a side that few tourists ever have.
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Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park are known to hold some of the most stunning, beautiful, and expansive public lands in America.
What is less well-known is the beauty of the surrounding private lands.
Some parts were even intended to be part of the park by the ‘Father of Big Bend National Park’, Everett Ewing Townsend. For decades the beauty of this area has been a ‘local’s secret’. Many of the locations even more rugged and remote than those in the parks.
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From a journey up the slopes of Christmas Mountain, to endless views of rugged desert terrain, to gazing down the cliffs of Terlingua Creek. Our guides will take you across a ranch with 190,000 acres of splendor.
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Discover The Desert Through The Eyes Of A Local
Our guides are deeply entrenched in the Big Bend. Pam Gordon — Owner of Into The Frontier — is known in the area as the ‘Mayor of Jackass Flats’. Just don’t let her hear you say that…
She and her crew each possess extensive knowledge of the land, its history, and its past inhabitants. The geology and folklore of the area, as well as the native flora and fauna. They might even let you in on some local gossip!
For those who desire an authentic West Texas experience, there are no better guides. Pam and her guides have a combined century of experience handling horses professionally, as well as teaching people to ride them. It’s hard to imagine a situation arising on the trail they aren't prepared to handle.
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Our Horses Will Keep You Safe on the Big Bend Trails
If the whole town can’t ride ‘em, no one can. Pam’s personal string of horses know this desert like the back of their hoof. We'd trust them with our own children.
In fact, they have had the honor of teaching countless beginners and children in the area how to ride. It's safe to say these horses have been around the block… and canyon… and mesa…
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Each one is like a member of our family. That’s why while some of our policies (No open-toed boots or tennis shoes) are here to protect you, others (NO SPURS) are meant to protect them. We love them and will not tolerate any mistreatment of them.
This relationship is what allows us to safely take riders with even minimal experience on such amazing trail rides. With just a brief introductory riding lesson.
Find Yourself in the Middle of Nowhere
There’s nothing like the solitude of Big Bend. The remoteness of the rugged desert and immense skies humble those who step foot in it. There’s little to no cell reception, no gas stations for an 82-mile stretch, and very few other passersby. This rare opportunity to unplug is a huge part of what makes this area so special. Prepare for a tranquil ride. Without any of the distractions of your day-to-day life.
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Do the rides take place in the National Park?Nope! All of our rides (wagon and horseback) are on private land just outside the park. Ensuring you'll be able to fully enjoy the privacy and serenity of the surrounding area.
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Do I need to be an experienced rider?No, all rides begin with a rudimentary lesson that will keep you safe on the trail.
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Are all the rides private?Yes, the beauty of this land is the isolation and solitude. It’s difficult to experience this in a long line of 20 strangers. This is why we only offer private rides with small groups.
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Is there a minimum age?Yes, all riders must be 14 or older. No age requirements for wagon tours
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Is there a weight limit?For horse tours yes, 250 lbs is the most our horses can handle safely. Wagon tours no weight limit
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Do you do Overnight/Dark Skies trips?Not yet but we are preparing a campsite to host dark sky trips very soon
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What if the weather is bad?The weather in Big Bend is very unpredictable, if we have to cancel your trip due to winds or rain we will do our best to reschedule with you. If that’s not a possibility you will receive a full refund.
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What about cancellations?Cancellations with no charge are available up to 30 days before your scheduled ride. After that you will receive a 50% refund until 48 hours beforehand.
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How can I make reservations?All our reservations are through Airbnb experiences. available here
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Should I Tip My Guide?It is customary to tip your guide.
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Can I Bring My Own Horse?Yes, though we limit it to a maximum of two outside horses per ride. We have stalls available to rent (the closest stalls to the national park) and can arrange access to outlying trails for the duration of your stay.
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Are there nearby places to stay?Yes there are! Jackass flats actually has a few airbnbs and campsites available. Here's some links or feel free to reach out to info@jackassflats.com
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All of your places are booked, any other recommendations?Absolutely! Checkout these beautiful spaces managed by our friends and neighbors:
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Can I bring a camera?Yes, photography is encouraged. We also have go-pro footage of your ride available for purchase at the end of every tour. We do not allow drone footage, they frighten the locals.
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Is there a restroom along the trail?The only restroom is at the Country Store where we begin and end our rides.
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What should I wear?Long Pants and Closed-Toe Boots. We also suggest you bring sunglasses and a hat that will stay on your head in high winds.
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What should I bring?Water, Sunblock, a Camera, Lunch/Snacks (available at the Country Store), Bugspray, and Gloves.
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What shouldn’t I bring?Spurs, Tennis Shoes, Sandals, Drones
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Should I Get There Early?It's ideal to arrive 15 minutes early so you can get ready, use the restroom, etc before gearing up to ride